the north korean government released newman late last night. they'd been holding him in the country since october. as you might imagine, newman says he is thrilled to be home. >> it's been a great homecoming. and i'm tired but ready to be with my family now. thank you all for the support we got and very much appreciate it. >> noelle walker is at san francisco international airport. what more do we know about the circumstances that led to merrill newman's release? >> reporter: we know very few things. we know that north korea released him because of his age. he's 85 years old. and because of his health. early into him being held, his family was able to get some medication to him. medication that he needed. so we know that he has a health condition, that his family was concerned about. they certainly have to be very relieved to see him back here today, craig. >> what did he say his first order of business was going to be? >> reporter: something very simple. he said he was looking forward to taking his shoes off. when i asked him as he was leaving